Review Summary

Donnie,

Please call me on Monday Jan. 18 2016 to start detail dispute on all charges concerning our 14 day NCL cruise out of NYC. I will be sending you photos and all documentation (with as much detail as possible) including DR bills from their hospital to get reimbursed from travel insurance. Below are just a small portion of reasons we where terrible dissatisfied with NCL breakaway.

Cabin bathroom-five days out of first week every morning our toilet would not work. The second week 2x times that I could remember. Meet with Jatin (which I will send you a copy of his card). Explanation was that someone in forward cabins was putting something down toilet affecting all of ship. It was very disgusting DAILY to not be able to flush toilet. The second week we where at show at breakaway and my handicap son after being sick needed to use bathroom and all toilets in front of ship on public floors 6/7/8 where all out and was told AGAIN nothing they could do we would have to go all the way back to rear of ship... Sadly he did not make it in time!!!! This is TOTALLY unacceptable.

Before entering ship we signed a form denying charges for kids.. Well while we arranging room our youngest went to video arcade and played games totaling approx 180.00 dollars. Granted this was finally taken care of after 3 phone calls because they said "it would have to be looked into".. They 2x only partial credit we where called and told "we made an addition error". In this day and time with computer it is virtually impossible to make an addition error...

On second day at sea, the children's pool was down for "repairs". On 3rd day at sea since we where unable to use Childrens pool and the fact that our family dynamic is 4 adults and one child age 10 we started swimming in "adult pool" (which at this time had NO IDEA there was an age restriction.) my wife and youngest son was called out causing a HUGE scene being told no children where allowed in pool and that they could not accommodate a family of 5 due to there is 4000 other people on ship and rules are rules and the head bar manage literally told me word for word standing on pool deck "NCL has best customer rating on all cruise lines" and that they have cruise critics on every cruise to insure highest rating and that if his actions where wrong they would of noticed cause they where by pool... Honestly I could care less about any of this. From a professional standpoint this should of NEVER been said by a senior officer!!! Again we meet with Jetin to be told that "he would look into it. But most likely not be able to "change company policy". This was then escalated to my wife being told by same bar manager that he was going to call security and her and my son would be "escorted of ship" over setting in a hot tub.... This right here not to mention ANY thing else is why we will not pay ANY of NCL charges having to do with accommodations or service gratitudes. PERIOD!!! The most unprofessional circumstances I have ever witnessed.

After requesting EASILY handicap accessible rooms (which I know you Donnie did for us) and being contacted by NCL prior to leaving on cruise to fill out handicap request form, which we did and have confirmation of NCL receiving. We requested distilled water for Regans breathing machine (which is medically ordered. Never once did we receive any. Hallways would not accommodate is medical stroller and at least 2-5x DAILY we would have to either personally move or wait on Stuart to move house keeping carts. (See Photos) this also will be discussed concerning Regans hospital bill and diagnoses. Room we where assigned had a pole directly in middle of both doors narrowing access to each room and is stroller would not even fit. (Again see photo) we called front desk and was told first day "sorry we have at full capacity" and there was not any effort made to try and accommodate my son handicap medical needs. AT ALL!!! Concerning the rooms initially when we arrived there was 2 different stateroom attendants and we would request something and was told at least 3x when they arrived "sorry this is not my room" and we would have to wait for different guy... PLEASE explain how with technology we have today that ANYONE would think this is acceptable for a family occupying 2 rooms jointly?????

On to food and service... One morning my wife ordered French toast without raisins and we where informed that it would take 20-25 min. When it arrived it was so raw that when my wife cut into the bread it ran out onto the plate. This was at Taste. Then returned with replacement order WITH raisins... We had standing order for appetizer of tomato caprese, and after 3 day of it arriving GREEN (see photos) and NEVER once was oil and balsamic brought with order. We meet with head matadee of Taste because that night also 3 of 5 dishes where delivered to table COLD. We where "assured" it would be taken care of. The photo you will see was the following day after showing still how green.. The next day after returning to room NCL had delivered a tray of appetizers to each room with RAW shrimp and cream cheese on them and left the setting out all day at room temperature ( I guess expecting us to eat them). AGAIN if anyone was paying any attention at management level at all this could NEVER happen. On several occasions my family and wife was told by waiters "getting us a soda in Garden Cafe "was not my job" one name was Lavon Charles. Concerning the Garden Cafe everyday food was mostly the same With VERY little variance. Customer service was very poor and felt very under staffed.

We also contacted a second "customer service manager name was ERIC. Nothing was accomplished by this either. Purchased Spa package and 2 days spa was closed in portions and again was told nothing they could do. I think 1-day was credited. That is not point. It is there responsibility so supply the services paid for regardless.

Now on the a very serious issue. Again my son is handicap and has a very extensive medical background spanning 16+ years and followed by numerous medical specialist (which have been contacted) and will be sending reports on the severity of negligence in medical care. We arrived at hospital at 10:17 AM and was informed this was "after hours because service ended at 10:00. Yes please try and wrap your head around this... After being told all services would have to be paid up front he was diagnosed with phonemonia and given Antibiotic and steroid. The next day after we contacted Jetin again after being told by room Stuart and EVEN the head floor 12 hotel room manager that there was not any sanitizer that could be given, to help stop spread of sickness to other family members. It was also very importance to sanitize Regans breathing machine hose. This was also related to Jetin I which we where told he would get back to use and NOTHING was ever done for 3 days . The last 2 days he was unable to even wear machine even though he has severe sleep appnia. Not to mention now I am sick and my wife. Also this was going around ship with cough and sore thought.

Ship Experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

very blann, cold many times, poor service

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

very cramped with amount of passengers

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

very rude and actually told many times "not my job" to get us a soda

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

was suppose to be handicap accessible and there was a pole directly between our doors

Ship Tip

have been on 20 plus cruises on all different cruise lines an this was my worse experience ever

on another note set aside from your child with special needs .....u really may wanna reconsider your vacations from now on cause by the sounds of it nothing was gonna make you happy or satisfy you at all...I have been on multiple cruises and 2 more this year, granted not everything is perfect as I'm not nor are you or anyone....but you are on a crusie going to beautiful places....chill out and try not to be so negative about every lil thing....again sorry your child with special needs was affected as a parent I would not like that either

Personally I think it was insensitive on your part to subject your son to a two week cruise knowing his needs.I would have opted for a short cruise to see how he did. I have to agree totally with cruisingluvcouple.

I have to say i'm really happy they gave you a hard time about your son being in the adult pool, I dont have children and I dont want to deal with other peoples screaming and splashing children when im trying to relax. You knew it was an adults only pool and you still chose to bring your son into it. I think the fact the staff was willing to follow the rules is great and its not something you should be complaining about. As far as the ship not doing anything to get you a room that would be better for your handicapped son, the boat was full, what would you like them to do about that? They have a limited number of handicapped friendly rooms, did you want them to kick someone else out of their room because you werent happy with yours? The world doesnt revolve around you!

It will be easy to pack small size Lysol wipes and use cold boiled water ho service CPAP mashine. Nothing tragic about it. I love to travel and never had any problems with my CPAP, just little planing ahead.

it's a tough call, but I don't think I would've brought a child with special needs on a cruise this time of year with so many people on board.. It's crowded, and you do have to worry tha your child will catch something..Maybe a cruise off peak would be a better choice.

Just...wow. Clearly some people will be miserable no matter what or they are making an issue out of every little thing in order to get something for nothing. Is every cruise vacation perfect every time for everyone? No. However, taking a handicapped child on a two week cruise sounds wrong. Also, I have a cpap machine and just buy a big bottle of filtered drinking water. Next time you should plan ahead. I'm sure you made a big deal as loudly as you could every time so your fellow passengers would know how "special" you are. Glad you're not on my cruise!

Very sorry for your son to have had a bad cruise. I have had issues with NCL of bad service, bad food and customer service not caring once they have you on the ship and have your $$$. On one trip they changed the cabin we had reserved to a different cabin type. Even our TA said that's just the way NCL is and why he does not suggest NCL to his clients.

Some of the things you mentioned though is standard for all ships like maid carts in the hall ways so not good clearance for a wheel chair or stroller.

The malfunctioning toilets is just not excusable, the error of the kids room cards not having access to charges is pure ship error.

In the future I would suggest that you check on a deck plan that you are given a proper handicap cabin. Also try a google search on the cabin to read reviews of it and maybe a video of it on youtube.

I was surprised when my walker wouldn't clear the enterance to my room and it was impossible to walk down the hallways when the staff were cleaning rooms. It had never been an issue on any other ship...so I never thought about checking it out beforehand. The hallways and entrance to rooms are abnormally narrow.

It's "we're" NOT "where." If you're (not your) going to get so fiery at least try to use proper grammar to express yourself. You have so many complaints but make very little sense. By the way, take responsibility for YOUR child and the bill he ran up in the arcade. It's not NCL's fault that you're a lousy parent. Then again, this is the society we've let happen...It's not ME. It's you. Look in the mirror. Take responsibility. I've never read so many complaints. You must be a pleasure to be around when you don't get your way. If I was captain I'd have your whole family put in a lifeboat and let the Navy deal with you.

There's no way you could have had this many problems. I think you're looking for a free trip.

NCL...don't refund this person. Misery shouldn't equal a refund. I don't believe even 1/4 of the fore-mentioned issues.

You'd think this family was on the "Poseidon" when it was turned upside down, forced to fight for their lives.

just wow. you really went on a cruise expecting the medical staff to care for your son, and the ship to provide distilled water and something to sanitize the CPAP? medical staff is there for emergencies and accidents, and you should be smart enough to bring your own supplies. seriously irresponsible parents to subject a handicappped boy to that. i hope i get a refund if i dont get my balsamic vinegar and oil... (and if you want to be taken seriously, you should try to sound at least a bit educated.)

I've read this complaint 5x now and each time I discover something new and fascinating about the author of this pathetic ruse to get a free trip. I'm baffled that someone would think it's okay to take a disabled child on a 14-day cruise, all the while assuming that it was the job of the staff to cater to every need. This person is so delusional it makes my head spin! I'm angry that they're angry! Balsamic vinegar and oil? Try this...ASK! Good Lord you must be a treat to live with. This is typical of so many people...they refuse to take responsibility. I have to know how you got this far in life with so much venom in your body and mind. I admit it...I'm obsessed! Please write a book and tell US what WE need to do to make YOU happy because it seems like it'd be easier to climb the highest mountain (technically, Hawaii). Please tell us if Donnie got back to you. Poor effing Donnie. If he didn't drink before I guarantee he is now IF he saw this list of complaints. War, famine, Ebola, mosquitoes, too cold, too hot...I'm fascinated how you've made it thru life so far. If only the Greek God of the Seas could have made you more miserable by giving you sea sickness. Oh, the places you'll go and the bitterness you'll carry along. Try a little Xanax, friend. You REALLY need to get a grip on reality. Forget the Kardashians! I want to follow your escapades. Wow. Just wow. #tenderness

I'm honestly obsessed with this post. I can't imagine anyone being able to find so many issues/problems with a VACATION. I've worked my fair share of jobs and this is the typical guy/family who are never happy with anything and want their money back or a free dinner and create a scene wherever he/they go. To be so filled with venom and self-absorbed...it must be tiring to be always pointing the finger at others and never looking in the mirror. A case study needs to be done on this guy. Parts 1 and 2 could be about how he ended up in this forum with a babbling letter of complaints to poor Donnie. I'd read the book! I'd see the movie. Chevy Chase had a better time in his "Vacation" films! 😁

...and two weeks at sea? Two? To have been a fly on the wall of their room (with the pole). I'm guessing they didn't tip well. Wow. Just wow. "We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams." -W.W.

Sounds like a cruise is not the way to go. It's really a working vessel not equipped to handle every contingency from a high maint, large, family. When you foist that onto the world most times, any little thing that goes wrong will seem like a tragedy. Several points seemed to have a theme up there "my kid"...yeah that's yours so man up and keep an eye out at a resort equipped with all your potential needs.

Do they have medical resorts? Oh, no they don't, those are called hospitals or assisted living facilities. This is like if I walked into a hospital and put my feet up, asked where the pool is and ordered a beverage, pretty much just as insane.

Other Reviews Of This Sailing

*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency, and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners (travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Contact Us

Send us questions, comments or feedback. Or just say hi. We would love to hear from you!

Full Name*

Email*

Message*

*Required

Need help from a personal vacation planner?We partner with the best cruise travel agents. Fill out below and they will get in touch!

*Required Fields

*Full Name

*How would you like to be contacted?

Phone

Email

*Enter Phone Number

*Enter Email Address

Do you have a specific destination in mind?

When were you looking to cruise?

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter!

Weekly Advice, News & Deals

Every Wednesday you'll receive the latest articles, deals, and news from the Cruiseline.com team, plus tips and photos submitted by our vibrant community of diehard cruisers. You'll also get a free gift — a downloadable, printable PDF of our guide to cruising!

Enter email address

Sign up for weekly cruise deals.

Join other subscribers and get the best cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.